2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Diesel · FP15 LCV

The most recent MOT test on 8 May 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthy condition at the time of examination. However, the broader trend across the recent test history is mixed rather than consistently improving. The vehicle passed cleanly in February 2024 and again in May 2026, but experienced failures in February 2024 for a non-functioning offside front dipped beam headlamp, an inoperative registration plate lamp, and a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system. A further failure occurred in January 2026 specifically for exhaust emissions exceeding the manufacturer's specified limit, although the vehicle passed on a re-test the very next day with no defects noted. Advisories have also appeared intermittently, including a nail in a nearside front tyre and rear brake pads noted as wearing thin. The presence of both lighting and emissions-related defects in recent tests suggests areas that warrant close physical inspection, even though the latest outcome is favourable. With a recorded mileage of 152,939 miles on an 11-year-old vehicle, this Mondeo is accumulating approximately 13,900 miles annually, which is noticeably above the national average and indicates sustained heavy use. This kind of mileage pattern places elevated demand on wear-related components including brake discs and pads, suspension bushes, coil springs, shock absorbers, and drivetrain elements such as clutches or automatic transmission components depending on variant. The MOT history does not reveal any extended standing periods or large gaps in mileage accumulation, meaning components are likely to have worn progressively rather than suffered from corrosion through disuse. That said, high-mileage vehicles of this age can still develop hidden wear items that pass an MOT simply because they remain within the legal pass threshold rather than being in optimal condition. Given the emissions failure recorded in January 2026, a prospective buyer should prioritise inspection of the exhaust system and engine management. On test drive, listen for any irregular engine idle, misfires, or hesitation under acceleration which could indicate deteriorating catalytic converter efficiency, lambda sensor degradation, or ignition component wear including spark plugs and coils. Check for any visible blue or black smoke from the tailpipe on start-up or during acceleration. Given the headlamp and registration plate lamp failures from early 2024, verify full operation of all exterior lighting including dipped beam, main beam, indicators, and number plate illumination, as electrical faults can recur and lead to MOT failure if left unaddressed. The tyre pressure monitoring system fault recorded in 2024 is also worth investigating, ensuring the system has been properly reset or that any underlying sensor or wiring faults have been rectified, as persistent TPMS warnings can indicate failed wheel sensors which are common age-related failures. The advisory regarding rear brake pads wearing thin from March 2025 means the pads may now be approaching or at minimum service thickness, so a thorough inspection of brake disc condition, pad material thickness, and caliper operation is essential. On test drive, listen for any squealing or grinding from the rear under light braking and check for pulling to one side, which could indicate a binding caliper, a common issue on higher-mileage vehicles. With the advisory for a nail in a nearside front tyre, confirm this has been properly repaired or the tyre replaced, and inspect all four tyres for tread depth, uneven wear patterns indicative of suspension or alignment issues, and sidewall perishing given the vehicle's age. Beyond the recorded MOT items, this high-mileage Mondeo warrants checking the timing belt or chain service interval compliance depending on engine variant, the condition and age of the 12V battery, the colour and clarity of all fluid including brake fluid which absorbs moisture over time, and evidence of regular cambelt and oil change servicing in the documented service history.